4 Ways Men Survive a Breakup

1 They look for closure.

"I sent a friendly e-mail to my ex four years after she dumped me asking how she was. The back-and-forth we had helped me know that we didn't break up because I'm an emotional wuss; we just don't have much in common." —Ryan, 27

2 They lean on friends.

"I devoted 40 hours a week to my ex, so essentially it was like losing a job. And like people who lose their jobs, I got depressed. Friends reminded me how I hooked this girl in the first place, and they did whatever they could to get me laid." —William, 30

3 They go through stages.

"First, I pout and channel-surf. Next is my badass stage: I wear biker jackets and swim in testosterone. Then I swear off women and immediately pick up a totally inappropriate one. Finally, I feel better and get back to normal." —Robert, 28

4 They set a time limit.

"I've imposed a rule: three weeks of being depressed, and then even if there are negative feelings about her, and there usually are, I try to focus on the good since the relationship was still a reflection of me." —Mike, 30